Q1. What first attracted you to Soul Music, is this relevant today?

My interest in soul, jazz and rhythm and blues music started in the late 70’s listening to and loving the amazing musicianship I heard on the few radio shows in existence at the time, and from the collections of cooler older friends. With the guitar as my instrument of choice, a musician is what I wanted to be too! Most of my friends (myself included), aspired to be in the next great Brit jazz funk band – think Incognito, Direct Drive, Level 42, Light of the World, Beggar & Co etc., (well, you gotta dream big right?!). The band thing didn’t work out (we just weren’t that good!). However, I was being invited to DJ at various parties and gigs because “I had all the records”… The rest has been the most rewarding and amazing journey anyone who needs a life-time to grow up could have!

Q2. What are your top 5 favourite soul tracks?

Impossible to narrow down – but here goes:
Louis Armstrong – (What a) Wonderful World (Time stands still whenever I hear this)
Randy Crawford – I’d be an Angel
Light of the World – London Town (Even more special now I live in the U.S.A.)
Marlena Shaw – Go Away Little Boy (Live at Vine Street version)
Smokey Robinson – The Agony and the Ecstasy (beautifully soulful vocals)
… and so, so much more!

Q3. What are your favourite three record labels?

Motown
Philadelphia Int. Recs.
Street Sounds (Thank you Morgan Khan for making such amazing music accessible and affordable for young, (poor!) DJ’s 😉

Q5. What are your top three soul clubs of all time?

I was busy honing my craft, so not too many evenings free, However, an exception was made for… Caister!

Q6. What radio experience did you have before you joined Solar?

I presented on:

T.K.O 1986-1988
Time FM 1988-1990
Various other ‘pirates’
A bunch of RSL’s including:
T.K.O, Freedom FM – Brighton, Energy FM- Brighton, and more recently on TSOL Radio

Q7. What is/are your main criteria in choosing records for airplay?

It’s ‘soul music’, I enjoy choosing my playlist organically (not to be confused with thrown together!) I love melody, lush production, wonderful musicianship, meaningful lyrics, and beautiful soulful vocals… oh, and age is only a number. I’ll play music from 1960, to date!).

Q8. Why would you recommend Solar to a listener?

I’m not suggesting Solar presenters are ‘old’ – however, given the maturity of the presenters, you know they’ve graduated beyond soul music ‘High School’ 😉 I always learn something when I listen to Solar; such is the depth of musical knowledge, and superior musical selection on the station. That in itself is reason enough.